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Our commitment to safety on site

26th April 2019

There are thousands of workers in the construction community currently working on million-pound projects. These men and women are playing a key role in reshaping our communities - building roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, parks and homes. But did you know that last year there was an estimated 82,000 work-related ill health cases in the construction industry.

We’re celebrating World Day for Safety and Health at Work (Sunday 28 April) to raise awareness of the importance of adopting safe work practices. We all have a responsibility to create safe working environments, that’s why we’re committed to ensuring our apprentices have all the essential health and safety training they require before and during their placements. Here’s a few examples of our commitment to health and safety matters within the workplace.

CSCS cards

Before being placed on site, we pay for all of our apprentices to complete their CSCS health and safety test. This is not only essential for many apprentices to work on site, but it helps improve health and safety aspects for both apprentices and those they work with. It also gives apprentices the opportunity to take advantage of career progression opportunities, demonstrating commitment and willingness to learn.

We also provide additional learning support for those who need some extra help passing the test. A member of our dedicated team will spend time going through all the essentials on a one-to-one basis so that the apprentice is fully prepared to sit the test.

Health and safety training courses

Last year we fully funded for several of our apprentices to undertake a one-day British Safety Council Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment. The course is designed for anyone who currently works in construction and looking to refresh their knowledge or wants to work in construction. It provides learners with everything they need to know about maintaining and improving health and safety at work. It delivers essential knowledge about key terms, legal responsibilities and reasons for good health and safety on a construction site.

You can read more about this training course on the British Safety Council website.

Site specific training

Sometimes our host contractors request additional training for our apprentices. Last year we fully funded for an apprentice to complete their IPAF course through HSS Training, and more recently we paid for a wall and floor tiling apprentice to undertake additional asbestos awareness and abrasive wheels training. Both of these courses not only widened their understanding of health and safety matters within the workplace, but provided them with additional knowledge which they could use to enhance their careers.

Useful resources

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) website

The British Safety Council Website

A collection of podcasts on Health and Safety from The Building Safety Group